Gor. Good morning, sir.
Sgan. Sir, your servant. You see in me a poor fellow driven to
despair. Do you know a doctor who has only lately come to this town,
and who performs wonderful cures?
Gor. Yes, I know him; he has just left my house.
Sgan. I am his brother, sir; we are twins, and we resemble each other
like two peas, and are often taken the one for the other.
Gor. Dev-- ... deuce take me,[4] if I did not make the mistake myself;
and what is your name?
Sgan. Narcissus, sir, at your service. You must know that while in his
study I upset two bottles full of essence, which were on the edge of
his table. Will you believe that he was so furious with me, that he
actually drove me out of the house, and said he would never see me
again; so that here I am a poor destitute fellow, without friends,
without help, without anything at all.
Gor. Don't distress yourself; I will make your peace with your
brother. I am his friend, and I promise you that he shall forgive you.
I will speak to him the first time I meet him.
Sgan. I shall be much obliged to you, Mr. Gorgibus. (_Exit_ Sganarelle.)
Scene XI--Sganarelle (_dressed as a doctor_), Gorgibus.
Sgan. One must say, that when patients will not follow the advice of
the doctor, but give themselves up to excesses ...
Gor. Sir, your very humble servant. I have a favour to ask of you.
Sgan. What is it, sir? Can I be of service to you?
Gor. Sir, I have just met your brother, who is extremely sorry to ...
Sgan. He is a scoundrel, Mr. Gorgibus.
Gor. I assure you that he is so distressed to have put you in a
passion, that ...
Sgan. He is a drunkard, Mr. Gorgibus.
Gor. Eh! sir, do you wish to drive the poor fellow to despair?
Sgan. Do not speak to me of him. Just fancy that scoundrel's impudence
to go and ask you to make his peace for him. I beg of you not to speak
of him to me.
Gor. In Heaven's name, sir, do it for my sake! If it is in my power to
do anything to oblige you in return, I will do it with all my heart. I
gave him my word, and ...
Sgan. You entreat me so much, that although I swore I would never
forgive him, here, shake hands, I forgive him. I assure you that I
impose a great restraint upon myself, and that I must have great
regard for you. Farewell, Mr. Gorgibus.
(Gorgibus _goes into his house; exit_ Sganarelle.)